Heather Sherwood is the President of WSCC. In her current role, she is charged with establishing and maintaining high program standards. As the president, she provides direction and leadership, including writing grants, grant and program implementation, and budgeting. She is responsible for course development to meet the educational needs as the industry continues to change.
Heather oversees compliance for accreditation through the American Council of Construction Education and the Division of Private Occupational Schools. She has extensive experience administering Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs and is passionate about partnering with the Higher Education community to promote Registered Apprenticeship education.
Heather is a Board of Trustees member of the American Council of Construction Education (ACCE) and serves on the Colorado State Apprentice Council.
Mostafa KhattabExecutive Advisor
Mostafa Khattab
Dr. Khattab has 30+ years of experience as a teacher, researcher, and consultant in construction management and higher education.
He served as a professor and head of Colorado State University’s Construction Management Department (CM) for 12 years. At CSU, Dr. Khattab worked with administration, faculty, staff, students, and industry partners to build a “Program of Excellence:” a 10-year strategic plan to assure quality education for Construction Management students.
Dr. Khattab is also a past president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international educational organization advances construction education for 115 schools nationwide. He has served as a member of the American Council of Construction Education (ACCE) Board of Trustees, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) boards of trustees, and the National Roofing Contractors Alliance (NRCA) Construction Management Schools Initiatives committee
Dr. Khattab has successfully led several international initiatives sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Education for Employment Foundation (EEF). The Fulbright Commission named Dr. Khattab a Fulbright Specialist for his work to improve employment opportunities in the Middle East through innovations in higher education. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Nebraska.
Alexis StricklandRegistrar
Alexis Strickland
Alexis Strickland is the Registrar for WSCC. Alexis brings a strong passion for supporting and promoting apprenticeship to her role as Registrar. She is responsible for managing student records and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards set by the American Council for Construction Education and the CDHE Division of Private Occupational Schools. With extensive experience in administration for both apprenticeship programs and project management, Alexis has the skills and dedication to make a significant impact on the construction education industry.
Marisa HastyAdministrative Assistant
Marisa Hasty
Marisa is an experienced higher education and communications professional with a strong background in strategic planning, program administration, and event management.
Originally from Ohio, Marisa recently relocated to Colorado after several years in Florida and is thrilled to experience all four seasons again. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication with a minor in Marketing from Flagler College, where she graduated with departmental honors.
Marisa is excited to continue building her career at WSCC as she provides administrative support in pursuit of the college's mission to elevate construction education.
Tim SeveranceInstructor & Recruiter
Tim Severance
Tim has 22 years of experience as a plumber, including service & construction, estimator, project manager, and safety officer. Projects he worked on include Denver International Airport, Lockheed Martin, Denver Mint, Federal Reserve Bank, Children’s Hospital, Vestas Blades, Denver Public Schools, and Southwest Airlines GUB.
Tim has been an instructor with Plumbers Local 3 JATC since 2009 teaching the UA plumbing curriculum courses. He currently teaches CPR/AED/FA, OSHA, and Backflow/Water Quality classes.
Tim holds the following certifications: ASSE Backflow (instructor/tester/repairer), Water Quality, and Water Conditioning, NITC Med Gas Brazer & Installer, NITC Med Gas Instructor, OSHA Authorized Construction Outreach Trainer, OSHA Authorized Disaster Site Worker Trainer, and an Engineer In Training (EIT) certification. He is a graduate of the UA Instructor Training program. Tim completed his AAS for Industrial Teaching in August 2013. Tim holds a BA in Economics from University of Connecticut, a BS in Engineering from SUNY & Syracuse University, and an Associate of Occupational Studies from WSCC.
Mike CranfordInstructor & Recruiter
Mike Cranford
Mike is an Instructor and Recruiter for the Southern Colorado Region with WSCC. With 9 years in the Sheet Metal Industry and 5 years in the Marine Corps, he leans on his experiences to bring in and prepare the next generations of construction workers for their careers and the future of construction. During his time in the field, his attention to detail and his dedication to excellence was appreciated by all who worked with him.
Beto is a commercial and residential plumber with over 9 years of hands-on experience. He has been a member of UA Local 58 since 2008. He achieved his plumbing journeyman licensure in 2011. His noteworthy projects include power utility infrastructure for Vestas, new construction and expansion for multiple healthcare facilities of Parkview Medical Center, and original construction of Black Hills Power Plant serving all of Pueblo County.
Beto has six years as a Training Director of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, overseeing 15 instructors and 100 apprentices concurrently and 4 years as an Instructor of Plumbing and Medical Gas curriculum. He holds Training Director Certification through the International Pipe Trades Association.
Colorado Springs Sheet Metal Campus
Andrew GillilandStatewide Program Director
Andrew Gilliland
Andrew Gilliland is an experienced Training Director with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. Andrew is skilled in nonprofit organizations, negotiation, budgeting, HVAC, and value engineering. He has a Bachelor’s degree focused in education from NLC.
Peter CarlsonAssistant Program Director
Peter Carlson
Bio coming soon.
Denver Pipefitter & HVACR Campus
Eric OrtegaProgram Director
Eric Ortega
Eric has 25 years in the pipefitting trade, with major new construction projects for Amgen Pharmaceuticals, Hewlett-Packard, Coors Brewery, The Children’s Hospital, and Lockheed Martin.
Since completing his apprenticeship in 2003, Eric has helped members of Local 208 to learn new methods and technology. He was elected by the UA Local 208 membership to serve on the Examining Board, Executive Board, and as a National Convention Delegate twice. He has 17 years as a trainer of apprentices, teaching orbital welding, safety, and rigging among other topics. He became Assistant Training Director in 2016 and Training Director in 2019, overseeing up to 50 instructors in quality delivery of training for 240+ apprentice pipefitters and hundreds of journeymen pipefitters each year. Selected to teach at the UA Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor MI. Teaching peers the duties and responsibilities of being a Training Director or Coordinator since 2021. Was appointed to the American Council for Construction Education Construction Workforce Education Committee in 2022, and Training Committee for Construction Workforce Education in 2023.
Eric holds 16 credentials including EPRI Certified Industrial Rigging Instructor, NCCCO Certified Signalperson Instructor, OSHA Authorized Construction Outreach Trainer, and OSHA Authorized Disaster Site Worker Trainer. He is a graduate of The UA Instructor Training Program and the UA Training Coordinator Program. Eric Completed his Associates in Applied Sciences for Industrial Teaching in May of 2021.
Carlos RiveraAssistant Program Director
Carlos Rivera
Carlos completed his apprenticeship in 2009 and is a 21-year member of Pipefitters Local Union #208. Throughout his career as a Pipefitter, he gained experience in Jet fuel Piping systems at Denver International Airport, data center heating and cooling systems, and brewery piping systems for Miller Coors and Budweiser. Since completing the UA Instructor Training Program in 2015 he has been a Certified Instructor and enjoys having students learn a valuable skill that they can carry on throughout their career. In 2017 Carlos became a Certified Welding Inspector conducting Certified weld tests and being involved in code repairs on Piping and Pressure Vessels. In 2022 he received his associate degree in applied science from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Currently Carlos is the Assistant Training Director at Pipefitters local 208 JATC and Pipefitting Campus Lead at WSCC.
Denver Plumber Campus
Johnnie NorrisProgram Director
Johnnie Norris
Master Plumber since 2016, Johnnie brings 30 years of experience in both commercial and residential construction. His notable project experience includes expansion work at Denver International Airport, a major addition to the Colorado Convention Center, and original construction projects at the Pepsi Center, Children’s Hospital, Empower Field at Mile High (Broncos Stadium), and Colorado Ocean Journey.
Johnnie is a UA-Certified Instructor and Training Coordinator, an ASSE Water Quality Certified Instructor, and a Medical Gas Systems Certified Installer, Instructor, and Inspector. He maintains current ASSE Backflow and OSHA 30 certifications and is also certified in Medical Gas Systems Maintenance. In 2025, he earned his WSCC degree, further strengthening his commitment to professional development and industry leadership.
With 25 years of experience as a trainer in both classroom and field settings, Johnnie has strengthened the skills and professional development of apprentices and journeyman plumbers in full alignment with UA standards. Over the past 10 years as the Denver Plumbers JATC Training Director, he has led and managed 26 instructors who deliver more than 36 training courses annually to over 125 Denver-area apprentices, ensuring their successful progression into highly skilled journeyman.
Sarah HarkssenCampus Lead
Sarah Harkssen
Sarah Harkssen has been a plumbing foreman for a few years, and is now excited to take on her new role as the Plumbing Campus Lead at WSCC. She holds a master plumbing license and various certifications. During her apprenticeship, she won numerous awards, placed second in the UA district 5 apprenticeship competition, and helped form and is an officer of the women's committee with other women from UA Locals 3 and 208. Since graduating from the apprenticeship, she has been enjoying teaching and leading not only within her role as a foreman, but also by being a math instructor at her union. Sarah recently obtained an Associate of Occupational Studies from WSCC, and is thrilled to now be able to help others in her union accomplish this as well. In her spare time, she likes to paint, fence, play video games, and spend time with her cat. She had a previous career in animal medicine but became a plumber because she loves problem solving and building things she can be proud of.
Denver Sheet Metal Campus
Andrew GillilandStatewide Program Director
Andrew Gilliland
Andrew Gilliland is an experienced Training Director with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. Andrew is skilled in nonprofit organizations, negotiation, budgeting, HVAC, and value engineering. He has a Bachelor’s degree focused in education from NLC.
Cliff RivardCampus Lead
Cliff Rivard
Cliff is a highly motivated individual with 9 years of field experience who excels in independent tasks and is a vocal team player. He has a technical understanding of blueprints, plans and specs and has recently completed course instruction of AutoBid. He is eager to continue contributing to the growth of programs at WSCC.
Grand Junction Plumber & Pipefitter Campus
Daniel SchulteProgram Director
Daniel Schulte
Daniel has 10 years of experience as a Plumber & Pipefitter. His noteworthy projects include the SCAH renovation for Tri-State Generation & Transmission and Xcel Energy’s Rocky Mountain Energy Center, as well new construction of Community Hospital in Grand Junction and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, and St. Jude Medical Center in Jackson Hole, WY.
Daniel has served as an instructor with JATC since 2014 and as Training Coordinator since 2016, overseeing a staff of 8 instructors in offering 30+ apprentice and journeymen level courses to 60 members each year. As President of Local 145 since 2015, he has worked daily to improve training and work opportunities for a total active membership of 180. He was recently selected to serve on Mesa County Workforce Development Board.
Daniel holds a Master Plumbing license, current Foreman and Weld Inspector certifications, and 4 previous welding certifications. His teaching certifications include UA CPR & First Aid Instructor, CPWR OSHA 30-hour Instructor, and Multicraft Core Curriculum (MC3) Instructor.
Grand Junction Sheet Metal Campus
Andrew GillilandStatewide Program Director
Andrew Gilliland
Andrew Gilliland is an experienced Training Director with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. Andrew is skilled in nonprofit organizations, negotiation, budgeting, HVAC, and value engineering. He has a Bachelor’s degree focused in education from NLC.
George VillarrealAssistant Coordinator
George Villarreal
George Villarreal is a seasoned construction professional with extensive experience in field supervision, project coordination, and team leadership. Currently a coordinator for the SMW local 9 JATC, George has spent over six years mentoring crews, managing complex projects, and driving organizational success through strategic planning and effective communication. George’s expertise includes trade coordination, field supervision, AutoCAD and Bluebeam proficiency, and Lean IPD culture implementation.
George holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Colorado Denver and an Associate’s degree in Business Management from Pueblo Community College. George is also a graduate of a D.O.L. apprenticeship program, further strengthening hands-on technical and leadership capabilities.
Known for a passion for mentorship and fostering positive, inclusive work environments, George has consistently delivered results in both field and leadership roles. Bilingual in Spanish and skilled in technical software, George is committed to advancing construction excellence and supporting the professional growth of team members.
In addition to construction achievements, George is deeply involved in ministry and community service. As an ordained minister, George has led marriage ministry, providing counsel and support to couples in need. George has also volunteered extensively with local church organizations, championing outreach projects to serve widows, orphans, and children with special needs. These experiences reflect George’s dedication to helping others and building stronger communities both inside and outside the workplace.
Cheyenne Plumber & Pipefitter Campus
Dan MeyerProgram Director
Dan Meyer
Dan has 23 years in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. He has worked on many projects, from Alaska to Minnesota, working on everything from military installations to hospitals, breweries to refineries.
Since completing his apprenticeship in 2002 Dan steadily made his way up the ladder, from job steward to foreman, from general foreman to superintendent. His greatest accomplishment is his family and second is his union family. Dan served as Vice President of Local 192 for four years, selected by his peers to attend the UA National Convention as a delegate, as well as attending two UA Instructor training programs, receiving his EPRI Certified Rigging Instructor certificate as well as NCCCO Signal Person Instructor card. He is currently the Training Director at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 192 in Cheyenne Wyoming.
